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Health Watch - Diabetes: Symptoms

Feb 24, 2011

Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

Type 1 diabetes, which is also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a disease with lifelong effects. This week on Health Watch, we’ll talk about some research into treating or even curing diabetes. While there isn’t yet a cure available for type 1 diabetes, there are treatments that can help minimize the damage the disease does. That makes it important to diagnose it as soon as possible.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin are destroyed by an autoimmune process. This makes it difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar levels. Patients must take insulin and follow a restrictive diet. Dr. Soumya Adhikari, a pediatrician at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says the main symptom to look for is excessive thirst or drinking a lot of water. People with diabetes may also lose weight, feel ill, be excessively tired, have abdominal pains or have vision changes.

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February 2011

Health Watch is heard Monday through Friday nationwide on ABC Satellite Radio. Call your local radio station and ask if they carry the program.